Corsair K57 RGB Wireless Gaming Keyboard Review

A Closer Look & Performance

In the box, you’ll find the keyboard, obviously. However, it also comes with a nice USB cable for using the keyboard wired or for recharging its internal battery. There’s also a detachable wrist rest, which is always a welcome addition.

It’s just a clip-on design, no fancy magnets here, but it’ll more than get the job done. I personally don’t use a keyboard without one these days, so Corsair is already winning points with me here.

USB

I rarely give my care to the humble USB cable, but damn, Corsair goes all out on the little details here. Aluminium grip heads in a custom mould. I think they look fantastic.

And check this out, they even made a tiny one for the micro USB end!

But that’s enough about that, it is still just a USB cable after all; albeit a rather nice one.

Corsair K63

Finally, we’re onto the star of the show, the brand new Corsair K63 Wireless keyboard! It’s a new design but still keeps all the Corsair DNA. It has a plastic chassis that has a nice weight to it and feels pretty durable. This isn’t mechanical though, so it’s not as heavy as their flagship aluminium models. However, that’s a good thing given the wireless abilities, as it’s easier to move around the house/office.

Macro Keys

The keyboard sits a little wider than usual, allowing Corsair to cram in six extra macro keys on the left. They’re nicely placed for productivity. However, they’re not a million miles away from the WASD that they could still be used practically while gaming. Of course, they can all be customised through the iCUE software, allowing you to do anything from gaming macros to launchers, to lighting profiles.

Key Caps

The key caps are nicely designed too, which a clear and central font that should let plenty of light through. However, you’ll notice a matte white background below the keys. This means that the CAPELLIX LEDs will provide a stronger backlighting effect most of all, giving the keys a floating appearance when powered on.

Function

The keyboard is pretty clean overall and doesn’t have many immediately obvious features built-in. However, looks can be deceiving.

You can tinker with the wireless features here, switching from 2.4G to Bluetooth easily enough. There are also dual Bluetooth modes, allowing you to toggle between multiple devices. The keyboard can be used in USB mode too, which turns on automatically when the cable is connected. It’ll auto pair back to the last wireless mode when the cable is removed though.

Multimedia and Beyond

Upon the top row, you’ll also find a few basic macro, lighting and lock controls. Nothing crazy, but they’re certainly welcome features. Especially the lighting button, as it lets you quickly cycle brightness levels or turn the lights off should you need to.

You also get master volume controls, as well as multimedia controls. These are fantastic for skipping through music while you’re working and gaming. Especially gaming, as it means I don’t have to tab out the game to change tracks.

Taking the Plunge

The switches are rather nicely designed. From the outward appearance, they do look like mechanical switches as the caps are mounted above the chassis of the keyboard.

They can even be removed like a mechanical keycap, allowing you to easily clean and maintain the switch/keyboard. As you can see though, they have a wide square stem that sits in the housing, with a special membrane “switch” below them. The square design of the fitting does give them fantastic stability though, with virtually no key cap wobble.

Ergonomics

The keyboard features a moderate wedge-shape from front to back. It’s just enough to keep things comfortable, however, as you can see, I have the rear feet deployed too so that it’s not too flat. There’s a slight curve in the key layout, but it’s very acute.

Around the Back

There’s a few things tucked away here, if you look closely enough.

On the right, a small stash for the USB dongle.

Just pop it out and you’re ready to rock. This is for devices that don’t have native Bluetooth or 2.4g, although is prefered if you want to get the full advantages of SLIPSTREAM Bluetooth.

There’s also a master power switch and the USB charging/wired port here too should you need them.

The underside of the keyboard is pretty standard stuff.

Featuring two small kickstands for a little angle adjustment.

Performance

When the keyboard is first powered on, it does something very un-Corsair like. The RGB comes on, but not at full brightness. This is likely a smarter move than it appears though, given the keyboard is in Wireless mode, it would consume less power. Despite that, however, the colours and brightness are impressive.

CAPELLIX lighting does give off a very even and vibrant colour pallet that is easy to appreciate.

However, hit that lighting button, and it really kicks into high gear, flooding the keyboard with vibrant light and colours. Compare the one above and the one below to see what I mean.

iCUE

I really can’t argue with the lighting technology here. Corsair has been master of the RGB craft for a few years now, and CAPELLIX is further proof of that. They have the most colourful, most densely packed, and most vibrant lighting hardware out there right now. I’m not one for the rainbow effect myself, but it does have a few more profiles under the hood. Plus, you can set it all to any single colour you desire, or turn it off; the choice is yours.

Gaming

For gaming, these switches are an interesting one. They’re not linear like an MX Red nor are they notched like an MX Brown. What they do is “pop” when you reach the required force. So lightly press on the key and nothing moves a little more force and it’ll quickly depress and offers a similarly snappy return. It feels more like an electric typewriter action, albeit a little lighter and with less actuation. It’s different, but it’s light, fast, and rather satisfying too.

Smashing a single key is pretty nimble, and playing some Apex Legends and Borderlands 2 felt pretty comfortable and responsive overall. I’m even typing this review on it right now, and I can’t say I’m having any issues with it. It’s a quality keyboard and works just as it should really.

Wrist Rest

The detachable wrist rest is pretty basic with its clip-on design. However, once it’s on there, it looks pretty fantastic. It’s a good size too, so I can fit my palms/wrists on it comfortably. Anything that promotes a good hand position during those long gaming and working sessions is good in my book.

Fireworks

They say finish big, so let’s just throw in a few more images of those lovely CAPELLIX LEDs and the lighting profiles featured on the Corsair K57 Wireless!